What Inspired Me to Write This Book
When I first traveled to Israel in the early 2000s, I was utterly awestruck. Standing among ancient stones and archaeological ruins, I felt as though lightning had struck my soul. In that moment, I knew—this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
The land itself spoke.
Walking through sites such as Tel Hazor and Tel Lachish, I witnessed history emerging from the soil. Ancient city gates, defensive walls, inscribed pottery shards, coins, and biblical-era artefacts were not just museum pieces—they were tangible echoes of real people who once lived, believed, struggled, and hoped. Discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls deeply impacted me. These fragile scrolls, preserved through centuries, strengthened my conviction that the Bible is not myth but history rooted in real events, real names, and real places.
Archaeology does something powerful—it makes Scripture breathe.
Excavating at these sites showed me how thrilling and humbling this profession can be. There is nothing quite like brushing away layers of dust to uncover a Hebrew inscription written thousands of years ago. Every shard and seal connects us to the people of Israel and to the unfolding story of redemption. The lifestyle of an archaeologist is adventurous, yes—but it is also deeply meaningful. It brings together people of different faiths and backgrounds, all digging side by side, united by a shared desire to uncover truth.
For over twenty-six years, I have devoted myself to the study of biblical archaeology, with memorable seasons working across Israel. Every dig, every artifact, deepened my appreciation of both history and faith.
So why write a novel?
Growing up, I loved adventure films like Indiana Jones and Jack Hunter. They captured the thrill of discovery. But something was missing. Many archaeological stories entertained the imagination, yet they rarely conveyed the true intellectual and spiritual battles that take place both in the classroom and in the field.
Real archaeology is not just about adventure—it is about debate. It is about wrestling with evidence. It is about engaging secular scholars and modern believers in serious discussions about history, faith, and identity.
I was raised in a world where opinions about Israel were deeply divided. Even within Christian circles, theological interpretations of the modern State of Israel often create tension and disagreement. Yet I have always believed that the Bible speaks clearly and faithfully. Prophecy in the Old Testament foretold the restoration of Israel long before 1948. Against all odds, after centuries of persecution and attempts at annihilation, the Jewish people survived—and the nation was reborn.
To me, that is not coincidence.
Professor Michael John in The Great Biblical Pursuit was born from this conviction. I wanted to create a story that blends action and adventure with historical accuracy. A narrative that keeps artefacts rooted in real discoveries while weaving them into a fictional storyline that excites the imagination. I wanted readers to feel what it is like to lecture in a university hall, to debate evidence with skeptics, and to kneel in the dirt brushing dust from an ancient inscription.
But the novel is more than adventure.
It is my testimony.
Growing up with a dual disability, life was not always easy. Yet Israel became a light in my darkest seasons. Working in the land strengthened my faith and gave me purpose. I will never forget the quiet moments spent in prayer along the shores of Yam Kinneret—the Sea of Galilee—or reflecting on the Mount of Olives. Those sacred places are not just historical locations; they are deeply personal to me.
Writing this book allowed me to pour my life experiences, struggles, faith, and years of archaeological work into a story that reflects both truth and imagination. Through Professor Michael John, I share my passion for biblical archaeology, my love for Israel, and my unwavering belief that history and faith are beautifully intertwined.
This novel is not just a story.
It is a calling fulfilled.
MJ